Champion System’s Friedemann Runner-up at Beauce

Champion System Pro Cycling Team’s Matthias Friedemann was runner-up on Wednesday’s Stage 2 at the Tour de Beauce, matching his best performance of the season.

“I was a bit disappointed yesterday getting caught in the crash, so I was extra motivated today,” Friedemann said. “Clinton (Avery) was fantastic and put me in perfect position. I felt really good and went early, but picked the wrong side and got closed out a bit. By the time I got clear it was too late. I’m happy to get a spot on the podium and I hope to get another shot at a stage win later in the week.”

Runner-up on Stage 5 at 4 Jours de Dunkerque earlier this year, Friedemann – along with Champion System teammate Chad Beyer – had to scramble when a crash at the front of the pack took both of them down with 15 kilometers to go, just as the gap to the day’s three-man breakaway was hovering at one-minute.

“Most of our guys were caught up in that crash but quickly back to the bunch,” Champion System General Manager Ed Beamon said. “We got Chad going directly and a quick bike change had Matthias working his way back in short order.”

The breakaway group of Robert Sweeting (5-hour ENERGY presented by Kenda Racing Team), Jonathan McCarty (Bissell Pro Cycling) and Joseph Rosskopf (Hincapie Sportswear Development Cycling Team) were caught inside the final kilometer after enjoying a three-minute lead at one point. Guillaume Boivin (Canada National Team) took the win ahead of Friedemann and Jasper Stuyven (Bontrager Cycling Team) was third. The win moved Boivin into the overall race lead while Friedemann is Champion System’s best-placed rider in third, eight seconds behind Boivin.

“I think Matthias will have another shot for a stage win before the race is over and the guys have a lot of confidence in him,” Beamon said.

Thursday’s 164-km stage, with its summit finish on Mont-Megantic, is expected to play a significant role in the general classification.